Head of IT - Manchester City Centre

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Job description

I have an immediate need for a Head of IT for my client based in Central Manchester.

Job role overview

To lead a small IT team in the effective delivery of an IT Service to the company, managing all aspects of the company IT and Communications platform along with providing support, advice, training, and guidance to all users.

This role would most suit someone with a strong technical support background looking for their first IT management role, possibly moving on from a Team Leader role.

Key responsibilities

1. Ensuring appropriate levels of governance, research and training are provided to deliver outstanding, IT Systems and Services for all users, that are secure, efficient and effective.
2. To work closely with key stakeholders to ensure that IT projects are completed in a timely fashion to agreed specifications.
3. Establish and maintain good relationships with technology vendors, keeping abreast of new technology and IT solutions to deliver continual improvement in the IT Systems and Services.
4. Manage centralised IT budgeting and purchasing activity, ensuring cost effective procurement of company IT products and services.
5. Working closely with our IT partners, oversee the design, installation and maintenance of the server, network, data storage and disaster recovery elements of current and new IT infrastructures.
6. Manage IT support contracts, ensuring high levels of service delivery and a 3 yearly re-tendering
7. Responsible for all software licensing within the company, maintaining accurate records of current licensing, and to be the custodian of all physical media and licence documentation.
8. Oversee information security, maintaining network and end user security to Cyber Essentials+ standard through appropriate hardware/software installation, IT policy and ongoing end user training. Ensure GDPR and PCI DSS compliance throughout the business.
9. Maintain full inventory of IT assets and mapping and documentation of IT network infrastructure and software configuration.

• Ensure optimal deployment of Office 365 functionality throughout the business.

1. Coordinate IT support, training and induction of end users.
2. Supervise IT Applications Manager and IT support desk, providing hands on support and training as required. Ensure efficient escalation of 2nd and 3rd line infrastructure issues to IT support partner.

• Provide IT services to our digital joint venture as required, specifically including oversight of information security.

The successful candidate is likely to have the following skills, attitude, and experience

1. Extensive IT knowledge and experience ideally gained in a FCA regulated sector.
2. Ability to develop and manage good working relationships with service users through building trust and mutual respect
3. Strong Project management experience working on multiple projects at any one time.
4. Deliver great customer service by responding swiftly to queries and concerns from service users.
5. Excellent communication skills, (both written and oral) with an ability to communicate complex procedures in a straightforward way, checking with users to confirm understanding.
6. Great time management and organisational skills, including an ability to work flexibly and within agreed timescales and in demanding and changing environment.
7. Have good technical and sector knowledge, maintained through CPD.
8. Understand and ensure compliance with regulations and procedures as laid down by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), by keeping up to date with all changes in the regulatory framework.

Specific Technical Skills Required

Essential

MS 365 advanced knowledge supported by training accreditations ideally.

MS Office

Windows 19

RDS/Hyper V/Virtualisation/Citrix

MS Azure/Veeam DR

Sophus or similar Firewall and anti virus

Desirable

MS Access

SQL

Acturis

Amazon Web Services

The client is looking for someone with experience working with Policies, Budgeting, Disaster Recovery, Server Upgrades, Managing Support Partners, Azure.

The role is paying £45k and offers a strong benefits package.

Please apply now.